The Effect of Indigofera sp. Leaf Meal Supplementation on the Performance of Super Native Chickens in the Starter Phase

This study evaluated the effects of Indigofera sp. leaf meal (ILM) supplementation on the growth performance of Super Native Chickens during the starter phase. A total of 96 day-old chicks were allocated to a completely randomized design with four dietary treatments and six replications. The treatments consisted of a commercial diet without ILM (control) and diets supplemented with 5%, 10%, and 15% ILM. The feeding trial was conducted for 28 days. Parameters observed included feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s multiple range test. The results indicated that dietary inclusion of ILM up to 15% did not significantly affect feed intake throughout the starter phase (p > 0.05). Body weight gain was not significantly different among treatments during weeks 1–3; however, a significant improvement was observed in week 4 (p < 0.05), particularly in chickens fed diets containing 5% and 15% ILM. Similarly, FCR was significantly improved during week 4, with the 15% inclusion level showing the most efficient feed utilization compared with the control diet.  In conclusion, supplementation of ILM, especially at a 15% inclusion level, can improve body weight gain and feed efficiency of Super Native Chickens during the late starter phase without adversely affecting feed intake. These findings suggest that Indigofera sp. leaf meal has potential as a locally available alternative feed ingredient to support sustainable poultry production.